Lifan LF 125-14F vs Gilera Runner

The Gilera Runner passes its MOT first time more often than the Lifan LF 125-14F: 70.8% vs 51.9%, a 18.9-point lead.

MOT reliability, side by side

first-time pass rate, outright fail rate and tests analysed · 2005–2025

Metric	Lifan LF 125-14F	Gilera Runner
First-time pass rate	51.9%	70.8%
Outright fail rate	32.9%	21.5%
Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted)	-21.8 pts	-0.7 pts
Engine size	125cc	124cc
Rank among all models	#5382 of 5428	#4675 of 5428
Median miles at test	7,714	11,381
MOT tests analysed	989	69,850
Most common failure	lighting and signalling	lighting and signalling

First-time outcomes on normal tests, 2005–2025. "Most common failure" is the component group with the most recorded defects on failed tests. Read pass rates against test counts: a smaller sample is noisier. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results.

"Vs comparable bikes" is the first-time pass rate minus the rate expected for each bike's own mix of age, mileage and test class, in percentage points: positive means better than comparable bikes. How this works.

What fails, side by side

share of each bike's MOT tests that failed on the component · lower is better

Component	Lifan LF 125-14F	Gilera Runner
Lights & signalling	23.6%	12.3%
Steering & suspension	19.4%	10.6%
Brakes	13.5%	7.2%
Structure & body	7.0%	2.0%
Drive system	8.8%	0.0%
Fuel & exhaust	5.5%	2.6%
Tyres & wheels	2.3%	5.1%

A test that fails on two components counts once in each. Component links go to the bikes most likely to fail on it.

Pass rate by test year

first-time MOT pass rate in each calendar year both bikes were tested

Test year	Lifan LF 125-14F	Gilera Runner
2010	56.7%	67.9%
2011	48.4%	67.6%
2012	44.2%	69.5%
2013	58.4%	69.5%
2014	59.6%	70.6%
2015	47.8%	72.1%
2016	51.9%	73.3%
2017	52.4%	76.1%

Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.

Pass rate by mileage

first-time MOT pass rate by miles on the clock at test

Mileage	Lifan LF 125-14F	Gilera Runner
0k-10k miles	54.9%	76.2%
10k-20k miles	46.5%	67.5%
20k-30k miles	43.8%	65.4%

Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.

Lifan LF 125-14F vs Gilera Runner FAQ

answers computed from the data above · terms in the glossary

Which is more reliable, the Lifan LF 125-14F or the Gilera Runner?

The Gilera Runner passes its MOT first time more often than the Lifan LF 125-14F: 70.8% vs 51.9%, a 18.9-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Gilera Runner still comes out ahead: -21.8 points vs comparable bikes for the Lifan LF 125-14F, -0.7 for the Gilera Runner. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.

What does the Lifan LF 125-14F fail its MOT on most?

Lights & signalling: 23.6% of Lifan LF 125-14F MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (19.4%).

What does the Gilera Runner fail its MOT on most?

Lights & signalling: 12.3% of Gilera Runner MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (10.6%).

Which holds up better at high mileage, the Lifan LF 125-14F or the Gilera Runner?

At 20k-30k miles the Gilera Runner passes first time more often: 43.8% for the Lifan LF 125-14F vs 65.4% for the Gilera Runner.

LIFAN LF 125-14F 51.9% pass · 989 tests GILERA RUNNER 70.8% pass · 69.9k tests

See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.